Electrification remains a contentious issue at Ford. The American company will end production of the thermal Focus despite setbacks in the transition.
Ford recently announced its inability to meet its electric car commitments. Specifically, the manufacturer wanted to continue selling thermal cars.
Initially, the brand’s decision was to stop producing thermal cars by 2030. This would have left only electric and plug-in hybrid cars in the lineup.
However, the direction in which Ford wants to go may not be so clear. The American manufacturer still intends to get rid of thermal models.
This includes the Focus, which despite being a best-seller, will be removed from Ford’s catalog. The brand has decided to halt production of the compact car in November 2025.
“We have set our plans, and extending them does not fit in,” said Kieran Cahill. The Vice President of production for Ford Europe also explained the plan for the Valencia factory.
Production of the Focus takes place in Spain. The interruption will have an impact on the Spanish facility, which currently employs 4700 people, the majority of whom will be let go.
1600 job cuts, followed by 1000 returns?
Ford had already announced the elimination of 1,100 positions in Valencia in 2023. With this decision regarding the Focus, Ford is now eliminating an additional 1600 jobs.
Signaling the ambiguity of Ford’s policies, the brand does not rule out reversing course. Out of the 1600 jobs being cut, it is possible that 1000 may return. “A temporary solution could be negotiated for 1000 employees until the production of the new vehicle,” they stated.
When production of the Focus ceases, only 1000 employees out of the 4700 are expected to remain. Ford announced that the remaining employees will “provide services to Ford in other locations.”
The sequence of Ford’s decisions, with a lack of apparent foresight, confirms that the company’s policy is unclear. With these new developments, it is difficult to determine their true plans.